DJI’s latest drone, the Mavic Mini, just launched and it’s already created a cult following.
YouTuber iJustine, who has been flying drones for years, says the Mavic Mini is “her favorite drone to date.”
And we’re not surprised by that statement. DJI has packed a ton of awesome features, into a surprisingly small package that will be attractive to both beginners and experienced drone pilots.
No Registration Required
The first feature we need to cover is that the Mavic Mini, weighing only 249 grams, does not need to be registered in most countries. Recent updates to the drone laws in the US, Canada an Europe require a drone over 250 grams to be registered to fly legally.
This places the Mavic Mini is teh lowest and safest weight class of drones, which in many countries may actually exempt it from certain regulations.
In fact, DJI actually made two versions of the Mavic Mini…the second version, weighting only 199 grams is specifically for drone users in Japan!
So it’s perfect for beginners who are just starting out and aren’t into serious droning yet.
And it’s tiny! Smaller, in fact, than an iPhone 11 Pro Max!
Remote Controller
The Remote Controller included with both the basic and fly more combos let’s you fly the Mavic Mini up to 2.5 miles (4 km), and the 2600mAh battery will keep you in the air for up to 30 minutes.
Wait. What? Mavic Mini weighs less than the DJI Spark and flys almost twice as long?
Yup!
While we’re on the subject of power, the rear of the Mavic Mini has a built in Micro USB charging port (that supports 18watt fast charging like the DJI Smart Controller) and microSD slot.
LIke the Mavic Air and Mavic 2 Pro, the joysticks for the Mavic Mini are screw-in and removable for more convenient storage.
Video transmission from the Mavic Mini to the Remote Controller is HD (720p) up to 4km.
Great Video & Stills, As You’d Expect from a Proper 3-axis gimbal
The Mavic Mini’s 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor captures 12megapixel stills and video at 2.7K at 25 and 30 frames per second. You can also push your video to Full HD 1080p video at 25/30/50/60 fps….which will be great for slo-mo.
Video is recorded at a max bitrate of 40 Mbps, half of the Mavic Air, but since you’re only recording maximum of 2.7K you shouldn’t notice any deterioration of video quality because of bitrate.
DJI has mounted the Mavic Mini camera on a true 3-axis gimbal so you’ll have the smoothest video possible.
Minimal Sensors
To keep Mavic Mini at the target weight, DJI opted
to use GPS and downward vision sensors only, which let’s you hover with excellent stability both indoors and out.
Because there are no other obstacle avoiding sensors, it makes sense why DJI has two ultralight propeller covers. You’ll definitely want them if you’re flying around indoors!
Quickshots & New App
Like our favorite, and most recent, DJI drones the Mavic Mini has standard quickshots like Rocket, Dronie, Circle and Helix modes.
Even better is that the Mavic Mini has it’s own app. Instead of building in the DJI GO4 app that we’re used to, the Mavic Mini flies with an all new DJI Fly App that features a 20% larger view of what you’re filming. And it still has all of the important in-app settings you’d expect like Max Altitude & Distance, RTH Altitude, etc.
Fly More – Get More
The Fly More Kit that we have comes with it’s own case that literally holds everything. It’s made with the grey heather material we’ve seen with other recent DJI products and it’s nicely padded to protect everything. It also includes 3 batteries and a two-way 18watt charging hub that let’s you charge external devices via USB.
Cinesmooth Mode
Turning on CineSmooth Mode will slow down the Mavic Mini’s speed and movements (sort of like Tripod mode) for an added layer of precision and stability. It will help make the movement in your videos ‘buttery smooth’ and is especially helpful when flying in narrow or complex spaces.
Full Suite of Smart Accessories
DJI has kitted out the online store with a pile of additional accessories to help you get the most from the Mavic Mini. There’s a Snap Adapter that let’s you connect optional accessories like and LED light or building blocks. And a funky charging stand that showcases your Mini like a museum piece.
You can check out the full list of accessories here.
The Bottom Line
The Mavic Mini definitely isn’t a replacement, or comparable to an advanced drone like the Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom. But for how little it costs, and how much DJI has built into it, it’s honestly pretty darn great.
Beginners are going to love it because it’s reasonably cheap, incredibly fun to fly and you’re going to capture photos and video that most people won’t be able to distinguish from anyone else’s. It has all the best features to help you step into aerial imaging without breaking the bank or needing to connect with the FAA.
Existing drone owners, like me, are definitely going to add this to their kit for a host of reason. Maybe I’m flying somewhere I want a less obtrusive aircraft, or I just need a quick shot. For challenging, or tight spots, you can’t beat the benefit of the prop cage.
Flight is incredible smooth for such a small, light drone and the quality of the video is completely reasonable given the price to weight ratio of the Mavic Mini.
If you’ve been holding off buying a drone, because you didn’t want to pay up for a super complicated drone like the Mavic 2 Pro, give the Mavic Mini a shot! We think you’ll absolutely love!
